Here’s a rhetorical question: How do you create a quilt? Our guess is that your answer is “one block at a time”—a legitimate response. But there’s another answer, “one row at a time.” During this first episode of the two-part TV series,Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt, Nancy Zieman shows how to stitch three of the six rows from her book, Row-by-Row Sampler Quilt. Using only one type of quilt block, a trusty half-square triangle, plus a few squares of fabric, she’ll show you how to design, stitch, and enjoy a row by row quilt.

Row by Row Sample Quilt Basics

You may be familiar with a traditional row-by-row quilt. Instead of creating blocks arranged in a grid, quilt blocks are arranged in rows, with each row having a common design element or theme. The theme for the Trusty Triangles—a Row-by-Row is, you guessed it, triangles. Half-square triangle blocks varying in sizes from 2″–6″ (finished size) and squares 3″ and 6″ create unifying rows. In this two-part series, Nancy breaks down each row and shares how easy it is to create.

Half-Square Triangles Tutorial

Many of our favorite quilt blocks are made by assembling half-square and quarter-square triangles. But what size do you cut all those triangles to end up with a square and a straight quilt block? What if we told you Nancy figured it out for you? Now you can create 2-1/2″, 3-1/2″, 4-1/2″, 5-1/2″ and 6-1/2″ half-square and quarter-square triangles from squares. That’s right, there’s no hassle and no need to cut a single triangle! The measurements are printed on the No-Hassle Triangles Gauge that Nancy designed for Clover.

Slide the gauge to the desired setting. The gauge locks into place to assure accuracy. Reference the left side of the gauge for half-squares and the right side of the gauge for quarter-squares.

Since the quilt has quite a few half-square triangle blocks, Team Nancy Zieman used theNo Hassle Triangle Gauge to draw the necessary diagonal lines in record time.

Opposing Arrows

The first row design, entitled Opposing Arrows, is a great way to begin your row quilt journey. Your eye most likely will focus on the center design, then follow the opposing arrows to the left or to the right. Arranging half-square triangles that give the sense of movement adds to the pleasure of the creative process.

Teetering Triangles

What might appear as one large triangle teetering on top of a triangle half, it’s size is really an illusion. The Teetering Triangles block is created with 6-1/2″ half-square triangles and a 6-1/2″ square—simple as that! A few left over triangles come together to form the center medallion. It’s all a matter of placement and color—that’s the magic of quilting.

Twirling Triangles

The Twirling Triangles design is an ideal quilt block design for our sampler row quilt. The juxtaposition of half-square triangles gives the illusion of motion. Plus, the various combinations of colors in each block provide an opportunity to see how light, medium, and dark fabrics play together in a row.

Discover how easy it is to design, stitch, and enjoy a row-by-row sampler without cutting any triangles. Even the most complex-looking blocks are easy to construct with simple straight stitching—and no bias-cut edges to stretch out of shape.

Add on a No-Hassle Triangle Gauge to make short work of this classic method, ensuring even cuts and stitching that matches perfectly. Learn tricks for designs filled with movement and artistry, with the fully illustrated book.

Six beautiful row designs can be mixed and matched in any number of formations, for a quilt that’s uniquely your own.

Perpetual pinwheels… I love pinwheels, but they are all great. As a quilting teacher, this would be a great technique class! I would love to win the book, make a sample, ask the shop to carry the book and add the class to their schedule. Nancy lives on through her work!

I just watch the video Saturday the 6th on PBS & since I’m doing a baby quilt with 1/2 square triangles, it was a double please for me. I’m a visual learner, so having the show now on DVR will help in the future to refresh my memory. I like how the same block and 3 colors can magically turn into a very exciting quilt. Part 2 already scheduled on my DVR.

SarahJanuary 8, 2018

I like the twirling triangles! I could see them in a ton of bright colors!

Dorothy VespermanJanuary 8, 2018

I can see using Twirling Triangles as a border also! So fun!!! Love it! And really like the others!!!! I have the gauge!! And love the chance to win the book!! Thanks so much!

Happy New Year 2018!!!

Kathryn EJanuary 8, 2018

I like the the twirling triangles. They remind of the whirly-gig toy we had as kids.

Rose D.January 7, 2018

The motion of the twirling triangles looks like a great idea for a Springtime table runner. That’d be the first one I’d try. Thanks for sharing!

Anne Z.January 7, 2018

I love the teetering triangles. I think it is the most unique row and provides a lot of visual interest.

MichelleJanuary 6, 2018

I really like the Opposing Arrows row.

Peggy SJanuary 6, 2018

I like row number one, it would make a great table runner as well as a start to the row by row quilt. I already have the No Hassle Triangle Gauge so ready to go. Thank you for carrying on Nancy’s legacy.

Karen G BrownJanuary 6, 2018

Looking forward to doing this Row-by-Row. Just finished the 2017 block of month. Great project for this beginner, great instructions, great results. Miising Nancy.

Rebecca HafemeisterJanuary 6, 2018

I love working with triangles! The triangle gauge will make it some much easier. I can’t wait to try it. I like the twirling triangles.

BettyJanuary 6, 2018

Nancy’s visual instructions made the assembly of the blocks make sense and look easy to do, Will look forward to seeing the book! Want to try it!!

Triangles are so versatile and I love Nancy’s easy technique and intriguing tool. Love cutting rulers and quilting tools!

JanetJanuary 5, 2018

The illusion of the Teetering Triangles makes it intriguing to try that one first.

JanetJanuary 5, 2018

The illusion created by Teetering Triangles makes it intriguing to try.

Rosalind GutierrezJanuary 5, 2018

The Twirling Triangles look like a fun block to make expecially with a fat quarter bundle I just bought..

Barbara McDonaldJanuary 5, 2018

I find the teetering triangles the most amazing .I will try that very soon.

L WatsonJanuary 4, 2018

The Twirling Triangles get my vote! They make me think of summer and watching pinwheels turn in the breeze.

judyJanuary 4, 2018

My favorite would be the Twirling Triangles although they all are neat.

Cheryl SJanuary 4, 2018

I like the TwirlingTriangles. I really like all of them!

BonnieJanuary 4, 2018

In Trusty Triangles my favorite row is Opposing Arrows. It would also make an interesting table runner in addition to the row quilt. I love Sewing With Nancy books and look forward to adding this one to my collection. Thanks for the great giveaway!

BeverlyJanuary 4, 2018

I bought Nancy’s no-hassle triangle gauge about a year ago and love the ease of use. I think the twirling triangles make me smile, so I would include them in a quilt happily.

Edna MarksJanuary 4, 2018

Really like the twirling triangles, would really be pretty as a table runner.

MaryJanuary 4, 2018

All blocks are lovely but I like the teetering triangles best. Thanks for sharing how to make them all.

YolandaJanuary 4, 2018

I like the twirling triangles. I love the triangle gauge. Even with a ruler my lines e for triangles are off. I’m going to have to get it, so I can have straight lines down the center of the square.

Tammie KielpinskiJanuary 4, 2018

The first row is my favorite. Because it’s the beginning of something I create .

I have been watching, with great interest, the quilting possibilities which our dear Nancy would showcase on “Sewing With Nancy.” In fact, I have almost narrowed it down to one of a couple of patterns, which includes “Trusty Triangles.” I am a beginning quilter and I think that I can handle these for a rather striking quilt! I would totally enjoy having a copy of this book! I am also looking for how I can get “Rope Sewing Re-invented.” Is it for sale through NZP or do I go to Nancy’s Notions?

kathyJanuary 4, 2018

I love the twirling triangle row. Great color way for the quilt. I need to work on my 1/2 square triangle blocks as often I cut off the points. Just need to practice.

BridgetJanuary 4, 2018

Opposing rows Is my favorite.

CarolJanuary 4, 2018

I like the twirling triangles for a runner.

Marie NelsonJanuary 4, 2018

My eyes are drawn first to the Flying Geese row, but I like the row with the tiny pinwheels and one big one.

Kathy WilsonJanuary 4, 2018

I’m looking for a new challenge and think this will do the trick. Am anxious to try and get thru these next winter months.

ClovisJanuary 4, 2018

I like the Opposing Arrow row. I like the way they go out from the center one.

FlorenceJanuary 4, 2018

I like all of the rows. With out each different row there would not be a beautiful quilt. I also love the no hassle triangle gauge

PJJanuary 4, 2018

I love the first row.

Linda AndersonJanuary 4, 2018

Wow! This looks like fun! My favorite row is Opposing Arrows! Can’t wait to start. Thanks for chance to win.

Mary Ann StauffacherJanuary 4, 2018

I really like Teetering Triangles. Love the all the rows actually.

MaxJanuary 4, 2018

The twirling Triangles Row caught my eye!

MartyJanuary 4, 2018

The Twirling Triangles row will actually be perfect for a “windmills” quilt that I’m planning to make this year!

OpalJanuary 4, 2018

Love the Twirling Triangles, so fresh and modern. I like the colors you chose, too. I like some white space in my quilts.

I have trouble receiving sound. I have Norton and the battery in the speaker is new. Our volume is up as well as the video volume. Is there something I need to listen to the Nancy Zieman Video?

Peggy VJanuary 4, 2018

I really like the flying geese best. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to win this book.

MaryJanuary 4, 2018

Love the opposing triangles. I thought table topper as soon as I saw it!

Gail BeamJanuary 4, 2018

I love the opposing arrows, but would love to learn how to do any of them. Thanks for the chance to win one of Nancy’s books.

laura flavianiJanuary 4, 2018

I am always looking for something that is manageable with one arm as I had a stroke and I think this is it. So excited to try.

Wendy HJanuary 4, 2018

I am a big fan of the Twirling Triangles. As always Nancy’s video tutorials and written instructions provide very complete step by step instructions. I have some of her other books and they are the very best teachers, short of a class. They are her legacy and my inspiration.

Joan WallrichJanuary 4, 2018

I like the whole quilt but, my choice would be the Teetering Triangles. I personally have never seen that block before and I like the placement of the little triangle inside only one half of the block. The quilt would be a lovely bed quilt.

Wendy HJanuary 4, 2018

Big fan of the Twirling Triangles and as always great instructions to make me feel like I can accomplish the project with success. Nancy’s inspiration is to convey the details with all the steps in a way that doesn’t leave anything out and still challenges you to ‘up your game’ and add to your skill set.

I like the teetering… This is a challenge looking design but very easy . It gives it that POP factor. l like it a lot cause it can be used either way top part on bottom or like it is shown. thank you for all the great designs.

PatJanuary 4, 2018

I definitely like the Twirling Triangles row the best. The color variations are stronger and truly does make the row look like its moving. Thanks for the chance to win the book.

Judy JonesJanuary 4, 2018

I love the twirling triangles!

Christine GottmanJanuary 4, 2018

I like them all but my favorite is the teetering triangles!

Janet HarrisJanuary 4, 2018

I really like the wind mills. Of course all of them are pretty.

Janet Harris

Jan SedivyJanuary 4, 2018

I like the look of teetering triangles. I finished a quilt that had lots of triangles and I definitely need better expertise as it was a hard project. I bought Nancy’s no hassle triangle tool so would be a perfect way to try it out on a new project. Thank you for these emails as it makes my day.

Sandra MaesJanuary 4, 2018

The twirling triangles would be fun on any project. Going to have to try this.

Nancy BallardJanuary 4, 2018

I like the opposing triangles. There is so much you could do with them by using color values. I would like to see them with the colors fading out.

Nancy BallardJanuary 4, 2018

I like the opposing triangles. There is so much you could do with them by using colors. I would like to see them with the colors fading out.

Peg SullivanJanuary 4, 2018

Love twirling triangles. The movement created is very pleasing. With the no hassle triangle ruler, these are made quickly and perfect. Something that often escapes me.

Ann HollandJanuary 4, 2018

My favorite is opposing arrows.

Paula SpaldingJanuary 4, 2018

I love the opposing arrows – I would love to see a quilt done in alternating rows in gray to black!

Barbara MJanuary 4, 2018

I love the twirling triangles, they look like flowers!

Linda EdwardsJanuary 4, 2018

My favorite row is the twirling triangles.

Cheryl MJanuary 4, 2018

I like teetering triangles the best but I really like how they all go together. Would live the book! Thanks

Pauline SawatskyJanuary 4, 2018

The twirling triangles look interesting! So much movement.

diane cJanuary 4, 2018

Opposing Arrows and Twirling Triangles –it is a toss up as to which I like more

PattyJanuary 4, 2018

I am learning how to do triangles, and I would like my points to show better. This book would be good for me.

Barbara O'BrienJanuary 4, 2018

My favorite row is the Twirling Triangles row!

HelenJanuary 4, 2018

Love the Opposing Arrows row.

JeanetteJanuary 4, 2018

I’m planning on making a full size quilt for my grandson who still uses his crib quilt, that I made when he was born, as a lap cover, or tightly curls under it; he is now 10 years old. Graham loves geometric shapes and has a color scheme all picked out. I had not been able to make a larger quilt for years due to eyesight issues, but am now threading needles much more easily. This would expand my skills again while creating something he and I would both enjoy.

Cindy ZellnerJanuary 4, 2018

I love the Twirling Triangles Row! It looks more technical than it really is. Can’t wait to try it!